UFC Fight Night 33’s Biggest Losers: What’s Next?

Nick Ring (13-3 / Lost via Unanimous Decision to Caio Magalhaes)

Ring appeared to be a solid prospect after looking sharp on TUF 11 and going 2-0 in his first two Octagon appearances. However, he’s 1-3 since including back-to-back decision losses. With his 35th birthday coming in February, it’s pretty clear Ring’s run at a title-shot is unlikely to ever materialize. He’s a measuring stick of sorts, so a fellow 185er coming off a loss makes sense for his next opponent a la Andrew Craig of Rafael Natal. (PHOTO CREDIT: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)

Nam Phan (18-12 / Lost via Unanimous Decision to Takeya Mizugaki)

Phan didn’t look bad in his bantamweight debut and it’s tough to blame him for falling on the scorecards to a gamer like Mizugaki. Even though his record in the Octagon is terrible, Phan deserves one more shot at success after some solid showings combined with his overall toughness. After all, he’s yet to be stopped in the UFC. Handing him a middle-of-the-road adversary like Roland Delorme or George Roop would give the UFC a chance to trim some fat from the roster and almost certainly produce an entertaining effort on an undercard to boot. (PHOTO CREDIT: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

Dylan Andrews (17-5 / Lost via TKO to Clint Hester)

Andrews loss to Hester wasn’t so much the product of performance as it was a health-related matter. After an errant punch landed awkwardly at the end of the second stanza, Andrews’ shoulder popped out and the ringside physician was forced to stop the scrap. Unfortunately, it’s the second straight showdown Andrews has suffered such an injury (though he was able to finish the first one). Putting him up against Hester again wouldn’t be a terrible idea, as it would resolve some unfinished business, but a fresh foe along the lines of Ed Herman or Ronny Markes would work as well. Let's just hope his shoulder stays intact, as another instance of it being separated could spell the end of his career. (PHOTO CREDIT: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports)

Julie Kedzie (16-13 / Lost via Split Decision to Bethe Correia)

Kedzie’s performance against Correia wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t anything to write home about either. Though she arguably deserved the Split Decision nod, “Fireball” doesn’t display the type of technique she should as someone with her experience who also happens to have trained with Greg Jackson for years. Perhaps recognizing that herself, the fan-favorite has decided to retire, ending her run in the ring on a sour note (i.e. four straight losses) instead of giving it one more go on the regional scene. (PHOTO CREDIT: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)

Pat Barry (8-7 / Lost via Knockout to Soa Palelei)

Watching Barry get blasted into unconsciousness and then stumble face-forward to the mat afterwards thanks to the referee’s shameful lack of judgment was painful. Barry’s personality and powerful stand-up have endeared him to countless fans over the past few years, but his questionable chin combined with one-dimensional attack and relatively small frame don’t cut it when competing against the world’s top heavyweights. The only way Barry should be given a chance to extend his UFC career should involve a phone call to Mike Dolce and subsequent cut down to light heavyweight. Otherwise, what’s the point of allowing the 5’11” slugger stick around outside of sadism? Since another appearance at heavyweight is not a realistic option at this point, a 205-pound debut against Anthony Perosh or James Te Huna would be perfect. Otherwise, expect Barry in Bellator before the Summer Series rolls around. (PHOTO CREDIT: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports)

Anthony Perosh (14-8 / Lost via Unanimous Decision to Ryan Bader)

There’s no question Perosh got pummeled badly in his bout with Bader. However, the 42-year old’s show of heart was commendable. He ate a ton of tough shots and was busted up but never tucked tail. He’s only good for another fight or two tops so it’s important to use him properly. If the UFC expects to be back in Australia by mid-2014, the company could certainly hold off on using the Sydney resident until then. Beyond that, Perosh shouldn’t be fighting anyone elite. Rather, Gian Villante and Fabio Maldonado are both available and on par with the type of opponents Perosh should be paired with at this stage of his career. (PHOTO CREDIT: Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports)

James Te Huna (16-7 / Lost via Knockout to Mauricio Rua)

After stringing together a quartet of consecutive wins in the Octagon it seemed as though Te Huna was on his way into the Top 10. That discussion has since taken a nosedive after suffering back-to-back stoppages in the first frame of action no less. Te Huna is a gatekeeper at best who has the power to finish plenty of foes but lacks the technique to take things to the next level. If Pat Barry drops to 205 pounds, a tilt with Te Huna would no doubt deliver fireworks. Other doable duels include Ryan Bader and Rafael Cavalcante (who could both use another win and aren’t too far removed from knockout losses). (PHOTO CREDIT: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports)

Last night’s lineup for UFC Fight Night 33 is one fans will be talking about for weeks to come if not longer thanks to some of the tremendous efforts turned in by nearly all the involved athletes. However, while certain competitors saw stocks receive a nice boost, others weren’t so lucky after falling short in their respective efforts. Here’s a look at what might be next for some of the evening’s biggest losers…